Why, what we thought was pure and simple mud is what they call 'gold-bearing cement.'" "I suppose that is why they don't brush their boots and trousers, it's so precious," returned Christie drily.

"And have they ever translated this precious dirt into actual coin ?" "Bless you, yes.

Why, that dirty little gutter, you know, that ran along the side of the road and followed us down the hill all the way here, that cost them--let me see--yes, nearly sixty thousand dollars.

And fancy! papa's just condemned it--says it won't do; and they've got to build another." An impatient sigh from Christie drew Jessie's attention to her troubled eyebrows.
"Don't worry about our disappointment, dear.

It isn't so very great.